Get ready folks, it’s heist time! Not only that, but it’s time for Nightwing to… donate blood? Listen, I promise everything ties together. Mostly because there is no heist, so things aren’t as confusing as you might expect. So, if you read this issue’s solicit and were expecting that, I’m sorry to disappoint. However, I think what Dan Watters, Dexter Soy, and Veronica Gandini are cooking up here is much better than what you may be expecting.
With the first arc of their time on Nightwing coming to an end here, “On With The Show” comes together quite well to provide readers with an indication of where this series is heading and what tone readers should expect moving forward. This arc has posed questions about the amount of power authority figures are provided with, how misplaced the forgotten may feel, and how burdensome it may become if you’re trying to help everybody despite it costing your own well-being. With that, Nightwing #124 is a heck of a finale to this arc that surely will hook readers in for what’s coming next to the series.
DC
Dan Watters does something that I don’t think has happened in a Nightwing comic before… we’re breaking the fourth wall! The mysterious Zanni has continued to creep around the corners of this series’ pages since the beginning of “On With The Show”, and when he decides to make the first move, it doesn’t change much, except for the level of intrigue surrounding the scope of his powers. But that’s not what the issue is really focused on. This is about showing how close to the edge Nightwing is getting.
Throughout the last few issues, we have seen how the conflict between Spheric Solutions and the varying gangs of Blüdhaven has started eating away at Dick’s patience. But here, things seem to take a dramatic turn, and the opposing sides of this conflict become further defined. Through this, I find that Watters’ storytelling works well to depict the burden being placed on Nightwing to help everybody in the city and how it’s starting to cost him. By making the character appear isolated, Watters creates a more compelling story about how challenging it’s going to be for Nightwing to help everyone around him. This is further contextualized through the lens of those around Nightwing, as their perception of his character and morals help to either inspire, worry, or loathe him. By doing this the book becomes more dramatic and worthwhile, which makes for a compelling finale that sets up the next arc perfectly.
DC
This story takes a few drastic turns as the story’s intensity increases throughout the book. While the book opens up with Nightwing and the opposing gangs talking (or arguing, depending on your perception of the ordeal between the groups), it quickly turns into a psychedelic experience that ends with a dramatic and action-filled cliffhanger. Here, Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini continue to do what they do best by helping to give each scene a unique tone and feel.
When things at the beginning of the story feel only slightly tumultuous, the pair lean into balancing the dialogue with art that leans into the forced humor Nightwing is using. Here, Soy’s paneling feels rather normal and sedentary, which gives a false sense of security to the direction of the issue. But, when things take a turn, Gandini provides colors that feel chalky and almost devoid of color, which helps to provide emphasis on the small amounts left as things worth highlighting. Soy even contrasts these moments from the rest of the issue with creative paneling which emphasizes how different these moments are supposed to be from the remainder of the book. Altogether, the pair do a great job giving the issue sharp contrasts based on the individual tonal shifts in the story.
Nightwing #124 is a great ending to the first arc of the new creative team’s journey with the character. Here, the story’s pacing is still very strong and seems to parallel the mental state of Nightwing, accelerating as his emotions rage and feel more unchecked. Additionally, the tonal shifts of the issue are perfectly complemented by the stunning artwork. Nightwing #124 is a great finale to “On With The Show” and will likely leave readers desperate for next month’s issue to find out what happens next.
Conclusion Content: Nightwing #124 is a thrilling story that shows how drastic things are becoming for Nightwing.
Excerpt: Nightwing #124 is another captivating issue that shows just how complicated of a threat Nightwing is up against
Pro: The story has great pacing and doesn’t make anything feel drawn out.
Pro: Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini’s creativity helps the story feel more intense and thrilling.
Con: The cliffhanger at the end of the book doesn’t feel like the ending of an arc, but nonetheless works well enough to draw in the curiosity for what will happen next.
Score: 8.5/10
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